Four Noble Truths (사성제)

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Four Noble Truths 사성제

After the Buddha attained
enlightenment, the Four Noble Truths constitute the first teaching he gave to
the five ascetics with whom he used to practice.The Four Noble Truths are: the existence of suffering,
the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering and the path to the
cessation of suffering. That is, this world is suffering, and the cause of suffering
lies in our cravings and worldly desires. Thus, in order to end suffering, one
must remove craving by practicing the Noble Eightfold Path. When one
establishes a solid insight into all the suffering humans create, one can
embark on genuine practice and overcome suffering. The Four Noble Truths are
the foundation of the Buddha’s teachings. They are also important as they
explain the Buddhist view on life and the world.

"He, who has taken refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the
Sangha, penetrates with right wisdom the Four Noble Truths — suffering, the
cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the Noble Eightfold Path
leading to the cessation of suffering."

-Dhammapada 190-191

- excerpt from Buddhist English (Elementary 2) published in 2014 by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism​​​